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Legislative Flurry: Gambling Bills Flood State Agendas from Indiana to Massachusetts

The new year has kicked off with a legislative frenzy across the United States as states gear up to expand gambling opportunities. From sports betting to online casino gaming, lawmakers in several states are filing bills to grow an already thriving industry. Here’s an in-depth look at the latest developments, with Indiana and Massachusetts leading the charge.

Indiana: Renewed Efforts to Legalise Online Casinos

Indiana has long been a trailblazer in the gambling landscape. The state was among the first to embrace sports betting after the repeal of PASPA in 2018 and has seen substantial success. By the end of 2024, Indiana had surpassed $20 billion in sports betting handle and amassed $1.75 billion in revenue—a remarkable achievement for a state of its size.

But while sports wagering flourished, efforts to legalise internet casino gaming have faced significant hurdles. A series of failed bills and a 2024 moratorium on internet casino legislation have stalled progress. The moratorium followed the scandal involving former Representative Sean Eberhart, who admitted to accepting bribes to benefit Spectacle Gaming.

This year, optimism is back on the table. Representative Ethan Manning has reintroduced legislation to allow riverboat casino operators to establish up to three online gaming platforms. Key provisions of the proposed bill include:

  • A tax structure starting at 26% for the first year, transitioning to a progressive system ranging from 22% to 30%.
  • An initial licence fee of $500,000, with annual renewals set at $50,000.
  • An annual fee of $250,000 per operator dedicated to problem gambling resources.

The bill has been referred to Manning’s committee, raising hopes for its advancement after years of stagnation.

US gambling legislation map

Massachusetts: Cohesive Bills Signal Progress for iGaming

Massachusetts, which successfully launched sports betting last year, appears poised to make strides in online casino gaming. With identical bills filed in the state’s House and Senate, momentum is building for iGaming legislation.

Representative Daniel Cahill and Senator Paul R. Feeney are behind the coordinated effort. The proposed measures include:

  • A 20% tax on adjusted gross revenue.
  • A $1 million temporary licence fee.
  • A $5 million fee for a five-year operating licence, with renewals priced at $5 million for another five years.

The synchronised approach across both chambers is a promising sign, suggesting Massachusetts could soon join the growing list of states offering online casino gaming.

Other States Eyeing Expansion

While Indiana and Massachusetts dominate the headlines, they are not alone. Several other states are taking steps to either launch or expand gambling markets. Here’s a quick snapshot:

  • Georgia: With no legalised sports betting or online gaming yet, proposals are surfacing to open the door for these markets in 2025.
  • Texas: Historically resistant to gambling, Texas legislators are cautiously exploring options for legal sports betting.

This nationwide push underscores the industry’s continued growth and the potential economic benefits for states willing to embrace it.

Public Concerns and Industry Impacts

While the prospect of expanded gambling excites operators and lawmakers alike, public concerns remain. Issues like problem gambling and regulatory oversight are at the forefront of discussions. Indiana’s inclusion of a dedicated fee for problem gaming resources reflects a growing recognition of these challenges.

From an economic perspective, the potential for increased tax revenue and job creation is undeniable. For states like Massachusetts and Indiana, the financial upside could be transformative, particularly in the wake of pandemic-driven budget shortfalls.

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